Don Bushman

The meeting included reports from standing committees. The Audit, Risk, and Compliance committee received updates on the Office of Internal Audit and the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The Business Affairs committee addressed approvals for design firms for multiple capital projects (Parking Deck 111, Welcome Center, Cameron Renovation/Expansion, and Kenan Auditorium Renovation/Expansion), advanced planning for the Hurst-Riegel Connector Roadway ($750,000 maximum), and requested approval to delegate authority for non-general fund capital projects under $750,000 to the Chancellor. Business Affairs also approved the re-appointment of Ms. Donis Smith to the Endowment Fund Board and reviewed tuition and fee planning for FY2026. The Educational Planning and Programs committee received divisional updates from Academic Affairs, an enrollment update, and a presentation on career development initiatives. The External Affairs committee reviewed University Advancement highlights and received a preview of the 2024-2025 Basketball Season. The Chancellor highlighted Fall campus events and an Economic Impact Report. Following reports from the Student Government Association and Staff Senate, the Board convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters, compensation negotiations, and privileged information. Upon returning to open session, the Board approved Academic Affairs personnel recommendations and a non-salary compensation recommendation. The Board also approved proposed updates to UNCW Policy 08.350 regarding non-salary and deferred compensation.

The Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee reviewed and approved the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Charter, the Internal Audit Charter, and revisions to the FY26 Internal Audit Plan. Updates were provided on the FY25 Annual Report and audit findings statuses, along with the 2025 Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Reports. The Business Affairs committee approved prioritized lists of construction manager at risk firms for the Integrated Science and Technology project, professional design firms for the MARBIONC Energy Recovery Systems Repairs project, and professional firms for commissioning services for the Student Housing Village Phase Ill project. Presentations covered UNC System Campus-Initiated Tuition and Fee Instructions for AY 2026-2027 and updates on Alcohol Sales at FY25 Athletic Events. The Educational Planning and Programs committee received updates on Faculty Senate activities, including the new Principal Lecturer rank, and an Academic Affairs update. A presentation was made regarding UNCW's research related to the Blue Economy. The Student Affairs report covered welcome activities and a financial literacy program update. The External Affairs committee approved the establishment of a quasi-endowment in the College of Science and Engineering. Updates were provided on the Fall 2025 athletics season, including reports from the Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball Head Coaches. The Subcommittee on Equality Policy Compliance reported on its work addressing personnel realignments, training efforts, curriculum reviews, and scholarship evaluations to ensure compliance with the Equality Policy, including key recommendations made. The Chancellor reported on updates from SGA and Staff Senate, enrollment highlights, recent campus challenges, and highlighted campus events and Strategic Plan updates. During the closed session, topics included an honorary award/scholarship, privileged information, personnel qualifications, attorney-client consultation, and real property contract negotiation. Following the closed session, Academic Affairs personnel recommendations, a posthumous degree recommendation, a philanthropic naming recommendation, and three disposition/lease/ground lease recommendations were unanimously approved.

The meeting commenced with a welcome from the Chancellor highlighting accomplishments and expressing gratitude. Following the reading of the conflict-of-interest statement, one trustee disclosed a conflict regarding a facilities item. Key agenda items included the presentation of the Academic Program Review Summary Report, which updates the Board on institutional review processes and is scheduled for submission to the UNC President by January 31, 2026. The reappointment of Mr. Bruce Moscowitz to the Endowment Board was approved. Multiple facilities action items were addressed, including approval of the prioritized order of Construction Manager at Risk firms for the Deloach Modernization project, approval of the prioritized list of professional design firms for the Hurst-Riegel Connector Roadway project, and advanced planning approvals for the Tennis Facilities redevelopment and Housing Village Phase III project. Significant discussion and subsequent approval occurred regarding recommendations for 2026-2027 student costs, specifically a 3% increase for resident undergraduate tuition for the incoming cohort (consistent with the NC Fixed Tuition Program) and corresponding rates for other student categories, adjustments to differential tuition for specific certificate programs, a 4% increase in student housing rates, and a 5% increase in all-access meal plan rates. The Board also convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters and attorney-client privilege before reconvening and approving a leave of absence recommendation from Academic Affairs.

The primary discussion focused on the Design and Pre-construction Authority for Student Village Phase III. The board reviewed a request seeking authorization of up to $4 million in total funding for design and pre-construction services for this phase. Background information regarding the approvals process for building design, construction, site selection, and funding sources was provided to new trustees. Enrollment and projected housing needs were also discussed in the context of planning.

The Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Trustees addressed reports from standing committees. The Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee reviewed internal audit activities, presented the FY26 Audit Plan for approval, and provided an update on Enterprise Risk Management and the Employment of Related Persons Report. The Business Affairs Committee approved a prioritized list of design firms for the Integrated Science and Technology project and the siting for several other capital projects, alongside updates on the State Budget and personnel cap directive. The Educational Planning and Programs Committee received the Faculty Senate Report, updates on Academic Affairs divisional highlights including policy revisions, and a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and UNCW. The Chancellor's Report covered campus updates and announced interim appointments. The Chair's Report detailed the directive from the UNC Board of Governors regarding the 2025 Equality Policy certification process, leading to the establishment of a dedicated subcommittee. The Board convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters, honorary awards, privileged information, and attorney-client privilege. Upon resuming open session, various recommendations concerning Academic Affairs personnel, distinguished professorships, posthumous degrees, Athletics personnel contracts, and philanthropic naming were approved. New Business included the unanimous approval of the 2025-2026 slate of officers.